Ruling on marrying
a woman who has no religion

Question

Is it permissible for a Muslim man to marry
a woman who professes no faith or "deen" at all -- an "agnostic"?

Answer

Praise be to Allaah.

This is not permitted at all, because Allaah says (interpretation of the
meaning): “… they are not lawful (wives) for the disbelievers nor are the
disbelievers lawful (husbands) for them…” [al-Mumtahinah 60:10]. An
exception is made in the case of chaste women of the People of the Book (Jews and
Christians), because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “(Lawful to you
in marriage) are … and chaste women from those who were given the Scripture (Jews and
Christians) before your time…” [al-Maa’idah 5:5]. And Allaah knows
best.